Schumacher, Force and Edwards Lead Pro Qualifying at the NHRA POWERade CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals

NHRA kicked off their 2005 season in Pomona, CA Thursday and Tony Schumacher leads the pack in Top Fuel with a 4.487 at 321.04 mph. John Force set a new track Funny Car ET record with his #1 qualifying 4.697 at 329.26 mph and Mike Edwards is tops in Pro Stock with a 6.732 at 205.13 mph.

Warren Johnson narrowly missed the #1 spot in Pro Stock, qualifying #2 with a 6.733. This is WJ's last year driving and it looks as though his "School's Out" Retirement Tour will be a lot better than his 2004 season. Kurt Johnson had troubles on his run and limped through the quarter mile with an off pace pass that did not get in the top 16. Greg Stanfield who is being sponsored by Mark and Gina Whisnant's PiranaZ clothing line is #12 at 6.805 @ 205.01. Barry Grant nailed down the #13 position with a 6.805 @ 199.85 pass. Erica Enders is hanging onto the 16th position with her 6.852 @ 193.93mph run. Greg Anderson had problems and did not make his scheduled run.

Whit Bazemore is currently #8 in Funny Car (5.055 @ 305.77).

There were problems with the timing equipment that gave several racers low speeds or no times. Repairs were attempted, but part of qualifying was completed using only the "good" lane and scheduled sportsman qualifying (later in the evening) was cancelled.

NHRA Recap